GEELONG will challenge Tom Hawkins' one-match striking ban at the AFL Tribunal on Wednesday night in a bid to have its star forward available for this weekend's crucial clash with West Coast.
Hawkins was slapped with a one-match suspension for an elbow to the neck/chin region of Fremantle defender Luke Ryan, with the Match Review Officer classifying the incident as intentional conduct with low impact and high contact.
It's expected that the Cats will challenge the conduct aspect of the charge, in an attempt to have the grading lessened to careless conduct and subsequently leave Hawkins with only a fine.
Hawkins' latest ban was his 10th Match Review charge, his seventh striking charge and his sixth suspension in less than five seasons, having also been rubbed out of last year's preliminary final against Richmond for striking West Coast defender Will Schofield.
It comes as the Cats prepare to face the Eagles at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, in a contest that pits third against fifth.
Hawkins kicked three goals in Monday night's victory over the Dockers, taking his tally to 14 majors from eight matches this season.
Geelong risks a $10,000 fine should the appeal be unsuccessful at the AFL Tribunal.
